FAQs

It depends on the area and density of the hair being treated, previous hair removal methods, the texture of the hair, the growth cycle, and if there are curved or distorted hair follicles. Every one is different but if you come for a free consultation we will be able to asses the hair growth and give you some idea of how many sessions, but you will see an improvement fairly quickly provided you stick to the recommended schedule. commitment and patience is needed to obtain a fast effective result that is truly permanent. Only Electrolysis will result in permanent hair loss that will last for the rest of your life.

A session can be as short as 15 minutes or can last for a couple of hours or more depending on the number of hairs that need to be treated. We advise that you should be committed to regular appointments to start with, at least weekly to start with and then reducing in frequency. The procedure is non invasive, but you may feel some discomfort and you skin may feel pink and mildly irritated but this should settle down quickly.

There are no serious risks, side effects or complications with electrolysis hair removal, the cost is relatively inexpensive especially compared to a life time of other depilatory methods with the misery that goes with them. Expect to pay as little as £20 for up to 15 minute session rising to £60 for an hour.

You can pay for a time limited multi session voucher in advance, that will save you money.

Because the probe doesn’t penetrate the skin but slides in the follicle next to the hair shaft you normally cannot feel the insertion, when the power is applied the sensation can vary from just a gradual warmth for a few seconds to a sharp pain similar to plucking the hair out. The settings can be adjusted to give a more tolerable treatment for stronger hairs. For sensitive areas you may wish to try a local anesthetic such as Emla cream. Most people can tolerate electrolysis very well, and some even fall asleep during treatment.

“Electrolysis” was first carried out in 1875 using a solid needle and battery, a weak current was passed through the needle to the hair follicle which caused a chemical reaction with saline in the body to cause decomposition of the follicle and the hair root protein

A small metal probe is inserted into the hair follicle next to the hair down to the root, depending on the mode used, the electric current will either destroy the hair root by chemical or by heat or by a combination. The hair must be in it’s active growth stage for electrolysis to be 100% effective as this is when the follicle is most moist, though still has an effect at other parts of the growth cycle, regrowth may reoccur but if the client is attending a regular series of treatments the finer hair will be treated and killed next time.

Hair normally grows, sheds and then replaces itself. All hairs have differing cycles of growth and are not visible on the surface of the skin at the same time. Hair normally grows in a regular cycle and then naturally sheds and replaces itself. Following active growing periods, most hair follicles go into a dormant stage. The period of dormancy may last for an indefinite period of time; however, replacement hairs usually appear within 3 to 12 months. The appearance of these coarse replacement hairs from dormant hair follicles should not be mistaken as regrowth from previously treated follicles.

Anagen: growing stage

Catagen: This is the transition period between growth and rest , lower portions of the hair start to collapse and starts to detach from the papilla.

Telogen: detachment from the papilla and sheds.

Exogen: when the hair sheds and gives a chemical signal for new growth

Dormant: This the time that the hair follicle sleeps, this usually las 3 – 12 month

Vellus hair is the soft, fine, usually short hairs that appear on the face, chest, and back of women, giving the impression of “hairless” skin. the body uses these hairs to help with the healing process and therefore should not be removed, however they can sometimes change to terminal hair where they start growing longer and thicker.

Laser and IPL is often advertised as an alternative to electrolysis and is advertised as permanent, but they are very different methods. Electrolysis is permanent hair removal. Laser is permanent hair REDUCTION but apart from the risk of burns there is a risk that it can stimulate hair growth and where laser only destroys the melamine in the hair regrowth will be white or transparent coarse hair which is impossible to remove by laser or IPL and then electrolysis is the only solution.

Electrolysis has been proved over nearly 140 years of use to be permanent There is no reputable scientific evidence that shows any other method of hair removal being as safe, effective and permanent as electrolysis.

Successfully treated hair will not grow back, however electrolysis can’t stop future NEW hair growth from happening. For example a woman taking strong steroid medication or with an untreated hormonal imbalance may develop some new chin hairs later on in life, even if the previous chin hair growth was completely removed. Only Electrolysis will result in permanent hair loss that will last for the rest of your life.

Hair can be treated in all areas APART FROM inside the ears and inside the nose. Common areas for women are chin, upper and lower lip, eyebrows, top of nose, throat, neck, cheeks, shoulders, breast, abdomen, arms, underarms, legs, bikini line, hands, feet, toes and fingers. Moles can be treated but only with a letter from your doctor. Men often have hair removed from beards and heard line shoulders back neck chest ears and nose. Often with excessive hair causes irritation, spots and boils that can be helped by electrolysis. See Also Which areas can I have treated page

While electrolysis is generally contraindicated during pregnancy, short wave thermolysis has not been found to be a problem, however, any stress should be avoided in the first trimester, and is usually not recommended in the last trimester, you should consult with your doctor before starting a course of treatments.

People with epilepsy are warned against using some treatments involving electricity. There is no evidence that treatments involving electricity such as electrolysis can trigger seizures.

Declaring your epilepsy

If your epilepsy is uncontrolled and it’s likely that you may have a seizure during treatment, it’s a good idea to discuss possible risks with the therapist. You could also talk to your family doctor or epilepsy specialist about whether they feel the treatment is advisable for you.

If you tell the therapist, it would be helpful to explain what happens when you have a seizure and what they should do to help you.

Yes, we have seen a big increase in men wanting electrolysis in recent years. Shaving large body areas several times a week can be tiresome for a guy and causes roughness and stubble. Spot, boils, raised rough patches and skin irritation are common problems that are associated with excessive hair. Electrolysis is the only safe permanent way to deal with excessive hair permanently.

Yes, we work with clients you want to remain discrete by thinning beard hair to fast clearance using a new technique available for the Apilus® Platinum™ Synchro™ or Multiplex™ which is effective for distorted or deeply rooted stubborn hair , for pre op clients we work with the specialised clinical nurse and/or surgeon before going for surgery.

Do I need to come for the consultation and test patch as I have had electrolysis before?

We need time to obtain a health on all new clients and also like to be sure that there is going to be no adverse reaction to the type of treatment we offer which include probe type and pre and after care. It gives you a chance to get to know us as well as us you so that we can offer the best treatment or you can walk away without obligation.

We normally charge for a session of either 15 min; 20 min; 30 min; 40; min; 1 hour; or 2 hours. we also have special deal for 10 sessions booked. comparing cost with other methods of hair removal only electrolysis will result in permanent hair loss that will last for the rest of your life and so over a life time is cheaper than any other. See Price List

Iontophoresis is the general term for two galvanic or direct current treatments where Cataphoresis uses the positive pole and anaphoresis uses the negative pole.

Cataphoresis is used after treatment and has the effect of relieving redness, inflammation and irritation, but also restores the skin’s natural pH level, causes local constriction which closes pores and reduces inflammation and redness which in turn promotes the healing.

Iontophoresis is the general term for two galvanic or direct current treatments where anaphoresis uses the negative pole and cataphoresis uses the positive pole.

Anaphoresis is used prior to treatment and is for used for deep cleansing the skin, has the effect of opening pores and brings blood to the surface. We normally wouldn’t perform this before electrolysis but would use prior to any facials or massage.

Hirsutism is the growth of excessive hair and is caused by hormone changes usually associated with puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, but medications, obesity and illness may also be a factor. You should visit your doctor if you are worried for a diagnosis of the root cause and prevention of more hair being activated but you will need to see an electrologist for treatment as once the hair has been activated it will not go away on its own.

Unexplained Hirsutism
For unknown reasons, some women have hair follicles that are abnormally sensitive to androgens. Androgen levels are normal and menstrual periods occur regularly in these patients. This tendency to develop hirsutism is genetic but the cause is not known.

You will not be able to have any treatment if you are pregnant, have Hepatitis, HIV, electronic implants, bruising, recent scarring, cuts or abrasions, active dermatitis, active herpes simplex and other similar conditions. If you are currently on Roaccutane/Accutane(TM) or have taken this oral acne treatment within the last year you will not be able to have treatment as your skin may react badly. If you are diabetic you will not be able to have any treatment on your hands, feet or lower legs.

Our Location is just outside Shepton Mallet in a hamlet called Bowlish, from Shepton take the A371 to Wells, past the Anglo Trading and at the bottom of the hill where the road changes name from Pike Hill to Wells Road you will find Bowlish House Hotel on the left and the Horse Shoe Inn on the right, Turn right by the Horse Shoe and we are 100 yards up on the left.

If you are coming from Wells direction on the A371 after the welcome to Shepton Mallet sign look out for Bowlish infants school, then Bowlish House Hotel and turn left up Forum Lane by the Horse Shoe Inn, we are 100 yards up on the left. Maps and these directions

Ring for a free initial consultation and complimentary electrolysis treatment on

Electrolysis requires a commitment of regular appointments (weekly or fortnightly unless you only have a few hairs). After a few months you will probably find you can either reduce the appointment length or the frequency of appointments. A totally hairless result, similar to shaving, cannot be achieved with electrolysis. Instead the noticeable hairs will be removed, leaving the fine ‘downy’ hair we all have on our bodies.